July 10 - 13, 2008

Kent Cornucopia Days 2008 - "The Festival of the Valley" - A community service project of the Kent Lions, Kent WA
 

Some 2002 articles from our own files:

Sent: Monday, July 15, 2002 10:05 PM via email to the Kent Lions Club

Subject: thank you

Hello,
We have just returned from being a vendor in your Kent Cornucopia  Days, and would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for allowing us to be a part.  We had a wonderful experience.   All our neighbors were terrific, we had lots of fun, and lots of fun with the fairgoers.  It truly was enjoyable, and am looking forward to participating again.   We were spot #613 on Second Avenue, and if possible would like to have that same spot. We also had Briggittas Designs, and Tupperware next to us, and would love to have them as neighbors again.   Do you send out reminders and applications for next year, or do we have to contact you?   Once again, thank you very much.  The fair was very well organized, and we really appreciate all the obvious effort that you all have made!!!   Bye for now, and looking forward to 2003!!!

Sincerely,
Robert and Madeline Zachariuk
The Zachariuks

Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2002 4:31 PM via email to the Kent Lions Club

Subject: Thank You From Canterbury Faire!

Dear Kent Lions,
The 16 annual Canterbury Faire is in the books.   Approximately 22,000 people attended the event last weekend.  That's a little down from last year but not by a significant amount.

We wanted to thank you for helping us make the event a success by setting up the stage for us each year.  In the rain or hot sun, you are always there working to ensure that it's level and safe for our performers.   Thank you so much!  It's a pleasure to work with you!

Sincerely,

Mark Hendrickson
Cultural Programs Coordinator
Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services

From the web

FunkyMonkey@1049 threw down the skate competition and hooked the ...

See one of our Kent Cornucopia Days 2002 sponsors web site for photo's.

From the web

Miss Cornucopia 2002 entry wins 1st place at Renton River Days Parade

www.ci.renton.wa.us/rrd/winner02.htm

Recent Media Coverage of the CompanyLongName

2002

Letter to the Editor
South County Journal
9-12-02

KENT LIONS CLUB

Support praised

The Voters Information Committee would like to publicly thank the Kent Lions Club for the professional manner in which it managed and supported the Kent Cornucopia Days Festival activities. This was our first year to participate at the Cornucopia Days and the Lions Club provided outstanding guidance and service.

We were able to register some 71 voters and distribute information on the up coming elections. We are a Pro-Family Web Information Service, www.votersinformation.org. The Lions Club should be recognized and congratulated for their outstanding community involvement and dedication to making Kent a wonderful community to live in.

Richard C. Smith
Kent

Count on the marshals to reign on the parade, Seattle Times, July 26, 2002

Local News
July 26, 2002

Copyright © 2002 The Seattle Times Company

http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=parademarshal25&date=20020726&query=Coole

Letters to the Editor

July 24, 2002

KENT

Great fun for all

Genuine thanks and appreciation goes to all the sponsors; wonderful volunteers; Joel Shilling, former Portland Rose Festival dragon boat race director; Kent Lions Club Cornucopia Committee; Kent Yangzhou Sister City Committee; city of Kent; the South County Journal; and the Kent Reporter for another good year of dragon boat racing.

All 17 teams had a great time and look forward to returning next year. The Canadian team, ``Nothin'Dragin' -- ages 55-77 -- was marvelous. Team members marched in the parade and encouraged the seniors in Kent to form a team and get moving.

All the teams were an inspiration. I am especially proud of Kent's five teams. They were brave, mighty in spirit and some want to come back next year.

When reviewing the results, it is plain to see teams won by just a matter of seconds. There was a great effort poured out and plenty of potential for some competitive teams coming up in Kent.

The most enjoyable race was the city of Kent team headed up by Tier White and the volunteers who boarded three boats at the last minute. They demonstrated that there is a definite interest in the community for this sport.

This event could never have happened without the help of all involved. Thanks so much again. You all have helped bring a unique, healthy sport -- and some extraordinary fun -- to Lake Meridian.

Cheryl Corbin

Kent Lions Cornucopia Dragon Board Race Chair

LOCAL Sports

July 19, 2002
FROM JOURNAL REPORTS, South County Journal

BASEBALL: Hall pitches Kent to Jr. Legion win

KENT -- Eric Hall pitched four-hit ball through 5¼ innings, and his teammates gave him all the support he needed with three runs in the bottom of the second as the Kent Junior Legion team defeated Federal Way, 4-1.

Hall struck out two and walked two. Ian Harrington picked up the save.

In the second, Blake Sheridan and Ryan Kelly had back-to-back singles. Sheridan stole third, then came home on a squeeze bunt by Kiko Martinez. Kelly then scored on a bunt single by Hall, and Martinez came home on Chad Spencer's single.

Kelly's leadoff triple and Hall's single made it 4-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Federal Way scored one in the seventh on an error with the bases loaded and one out. But Harrington got the final two outs to quash the rally.

Hall finished 2 for 4. Andrew Theisen and Kelly each went 2 for 3.

YOUTH SOCCER: ICM 90 takes second at Diadora

REDMOND -- After outscoring its opponents by a 20-5 margin in the first four games, ICM 90 came up short on offense Sunday and dropped a 2-0 decision to Northwest National Roma of Lynnwood in the U-12 boys division final of the Diadora Cup.

This was the first tournament of the season for ICM 90, which plays at the Gold-Titanium level in the Kent Youth Soccer Association.

The team, coached by Dan Angevine and Brian McKelvey, will be back on the same 60 Acres fields in August at the Copa Cup.

GYMNASTICS: Mertens earns All-American status

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- Adriane Mertens was second on beam, third on vault, fourth on bars and third all-around, and teammate Amanda Hall won all four events plus the all-around title, helping Grace Gymnastics of Lakewood win the YMCA National Championships.

Lakewood finished the two-day meet with 226.475 points, beating out Cuyamaca's 225.325.

Mertens, who also was part of the Washington team that won the National High School Championships in May, had a two-day all-around total of 74.9 (37.175 and 37.725). Hall's winning total was 76.225 (37.775, 38.45).

On the beam, Mertens' best mark in three performances was 9.625. On the vault, it was a 9.5, and on the bars, it was a 9.4. Her performances earned her YMCA All-American status for the second straight year. She will attend San Jose State University on a full-ride gymnastics scholarship starting this fall.

Hall's top marks in three performances were 9.625 on vault, 9.775 on bars, 9.4 on beam and 9.85 on floor.

Jennifer Chang of Lakewood took third on floor and eighth all-around (72.65 for two days).

Lakewood is coached by Brian Muenz.

HOOPS: Sonics dance team auditions are tomorrow

SEATTLE -- Open auditions for the 2002-03 Sonics dance team are scheduled for tomorrow at Bellevue Community College. Auditions are open to men and women who will be 18 or older by this November.

Dancers should have strong jazz and hip-hop experience. They should wear form-fitting clothing and non-marking shoes to the auditions. There is no cost. Dancers are asked to bring a current, non-returnable headshot photo and resume.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., with auditions from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Finalists will be required to participate in a second phase of auditions July 22, 23 and 24.

More information is available by calling the dance team hotline at (206) 281-5800.

Local golf

RIVERBEND LADIES CLUB

First Division -- Low gross: JoAnne Sundquist 62. Low net: (tie) Arley Renschler and Mary Jo Hawk 52. Second Division -- Low gross: Norman Tritterington 74. Low net: (tie) Carmel Camerini and Shirley Hauge 49. Third Division -- Low gross: 1, Ann Delaurenti 75; 2, Jean Boldan 82. Low net: 1, (tie) Marilyn McGinnis and Dot Purser 44; 2, Pat LaKous 48. Least putts -- Ruth Swanson 27.

Boat racing

KENT CORNUCOPIA DAYS DRAGON BOAT RACES

Women's Division

Round 1, Heat 1 -- 1, Wasabi Team Huge 2:18.86; 2, Ladies of the Lake 2:52.37. Round 1, Heat 2 -- 1, Wasabi Power Surge 2:25.37; 2, Survivors SAKE 2:55.60.

Round 2, Heat 7 -- 1, Wasabi Team Huge 2:17.30; 2, Survivors SAKE 2:53.16. Round 2, Heat 8 -- 1, Wasabi Power Surge 2:29.00; 2, Ladies of the Lake 3:01.19.

Final -- 1, Wasabi Team Huge 2:11.04; 2, Wasabi Power Surge 2:20.66. Recreational final -- 1, Survivors SAKE 2:47.61; 2, Ladies of the Lake 2:48.57.

Mixed Division

Round 1, Heat 3 -- 1, Hot Wasabi 2:17.92; 2, Destiny Dragons 2:23.01; 3, Nothin' Dragon 2:30.15; 4, Team Eagles 2:59.77. Round 1, Heat 4 -- 1, Draco Koa Akua 2:08.02; 2, Stumptown Paddlers 2:27.90; 3, Dragsters-(Napa) 2:31.36. Round 1, Heat 5 -- 1, Zamboanga 2:12.58; 2, Multnomah Channel C.C. 2:20.87; 3, Dragin Tails 2:26.72. Round 1, Heat 6 -- 1, Kai Ikaika 2:09.67; 2, Blenz Coffee Fluid Power 2:12.97; 3, Parts Peddlers 2:33.22.

Round 2, Heat 9 -- 1, Hot Wasabi 2:16.17; 2, Stumptown Paddlers 2:21.29; 3, Dragin Tails 2:27.80. Round 2, Heat 10 -- 1, Draco Koa Akua 2:07.46; 2, Multnomah Channel C.C. 2:17.61; 3, Parts Peddlers 2:28.39; 4, Team Eagles 2:35.55. Round 2, Heat 11 -- 1, Blenz Coffee Fluid Power 2:06.27; 2, Zamboanga 2:06.49; 3, Nothin' Dragon 2:23.22. Round 2, Heat 12 -- 1, Kai Ikaika 2:07.52; 2, Destiny Dragons 2:17.11; 3, Dragsters-(Napa) 2:30.88.

Final -- 1, Draco Koa Akua 2:04.47; 2, Kai Ikaika 2:04.65; 3, Blenz Coffee Fluid Power 2:09.77; 4, Hot Wasabi 2:11.81. Local final -- 1, Parts Peddlers 2:24.75; 2, Dragin Tails 2:25.57; 3, Dragsters-(Napa) 2:26.90; 4, Team Eagles 2:41.95.

Recreational semifinals -- Heat 15: Zamboanga 2:07.45; 2, Parts Peddlers 2:22.88; 3, Nothin' Dragon 2:23.19; 4, Destiny Dragons 2:30.11. Heat 16: 1, Multnomah Channel C.C. 2:18.01; 2, Stumptown Paddlers 2:23.57; 3, Dragsters-(Napa) 2:30.54. Recreational final -- 1, Zamboanga 2:11.52; 2, Stumptown Paddlers 2:21.39; 3, Multnomah Channel C.C. 2:21.79; 4, Parts Peddlers-(Napa) 2:34.72.

Opinion Page

Down for sales of alcohol to minors, up for two mayors

July 15, 2002
South County Journal

Thumbs down for 11 local business caught selling alcohol to minors. State liquor agents cited the following in recent raids along airport row: the Marriott Hotel, the Hilton, 13 Coins, the Doubletree, Dave's Diner, VIP Sports Bar, Boulevard Cafe, Atami Japanese, Sandstone Inn, Radisson Hotel and Funster's Grand Casino.

Thumbs up for the mayors of Renton and Auburn for launching a campaign to improve SR 167 through these cities. It's about time.

Thumbs up for the many volunteers who make our community festivals a fun, family occasion every summer. Events such as Kent's Cornucopia and Tukwila Days don't just suddenly sprout overnight. These festivals take months of planning and coordination. This weekend, take time between bites of barbecue sandwiches and other delicious fare to thank organizers.

Thumbs up for Wayne and Karen Delgardno of Renton who increased their family from four children to nine by adopting five Russian orphans. The Russian children were a family and officials there didn't want them separated if possible. The Delgardnos originally planned to adopt two older children but when Wayne saw information about five orphaned siblings, the family quickly agreed to open their arms wider.

Thumbs up for President Bush for proclaiming the years 2003 to 2006 the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were outstanding men: smart, brave and resourceful. All those qualities and more were needed as they jointly led an expedition to the Pacific The two gave us a great story reflecting who we are as Americans. It is a story we ought to be hearing a lot more about over the next several years.

Thumbs down for airport security screeners who have failed to detect fake guns and bombs in nearly a quarter of undercover tests conducted in June by agents at the Transportation Security Administration. The agents were told to pack their bags like an average passenger and not try to hide the weapons as a terrorist might. We wonder how high the failure rate would have been in a ``real-world'' scenario.

Thumbs down for the U.S. Postal Service, which so far is balking at authorizing a stamp commemorating the Purple Heart. The Postal Service meets this week in Washington, D.C., to consider ideas for new images for stamps. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., is pushing to get the honor for American veterans wounded or killed by the enemy. A committee has rejected the idea, saying that the Postal Service already has issued a stamp honoring all veterans. Since the start of World War II, 1.8 million Americans have received the Purple Heart. About 600,000 are still alive. The Purple Heart originated with George Washington, who presented it to deserving troops or their relatives.

WEEKEND UPDATE:

July 13, 2002
Soutn County Journal

FAMILIES

Tukwila Days will be held today and tomorrow at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S. Community festival with parade, pancake breakfast, art show, live music, arts and crafts, and more. Free except for special events. Call 206-768-2822.

Circus Chimera will perform at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today and at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the SuperMall (near Regal Cinemas), 1101 SuperMall Way, Auburn. The ``World's Tallest Big Top'' features fast-paced, tightly orchestrated acts performing fantastic feats on the ground and in the air, including aerial contortion, juggling, tumbling, balancing, flying trapeze, jump roping and more. Call 253-833-9500.

Kent Cornucopia Days will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow along Meeker Street in downtown Kent. Community parade (2 p.m. tomorrow), carnival, art show, military displays, live entertainment. Free. Call 253-852-5466. Web site: www.kcdays.com.

Kent Jaycees Pancake Feed will be held from 8-10 a.m. tomorrow in the Safeway tent on the corner of First and Titus in Kent. Proceeds to Pediatric Interim Care Center. Donations accepted. Call 206-296-9012. (Part of Kent Cornucopia Days)

Return to Renton will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today at Carco Park, 1717 S.E. Maple Valley Highway, Renton. More than 500 classic cars, music, contests, scavenger hunt, music and car trivia contest, followed by procession of old cars through downtown Renton, beginning about 3:30 p.m. The event benefits Renton Police youth programs. Car registration is $12 to $17. Free. Call 425-827-8463.

Italian Heritage Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Presented by the Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of the Northwest, Classes, demonstrations, exhibits, games and food. Call 206-243-7215. Web site: www.osiaglnw.org.   (Part of Kent Cornucopia Days)

Beach Naturalists will answer questions from noon to 4 p.m. today and from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow at Des Moines Beach Park, 22030 Cliff Ave. S., and at Seahurst Park, 140th Avenue Southwest and 16th Avenue Southwest in Burien.

Parachutes Work!, a family workshop, will be presented at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Tukwila. Museum admission is $9.50 for general, $8.50 for ages 65 and older, $5 for ages 5-17; free for ages 4 and younger. Call 206-764-5720. Web site: www.museumofflight.org.

Psychic Faire and Metaphysical Event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. today at the Red Lion Hotel-Southcenter, 205 Strander Blvd. Tukwila. Free. Call 253-859-2420.

Animal Heroes Aide Dog Awareness will be presented at 2 p.m. today at the Federal Way 320th Library, 848 S. 320th St. Call 253-839-0257.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Kent Cornucopia Days Old Time Music Festival will begin at 10:30 a.m. today with free fiddle and guitar workshops, followed by shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Kent Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. Admission is $3 to $6; free for ages 11 and younger. Call 253-939-8436 or 425-228-5846.

``Equine Art 2002,'' presented by the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association, will be displayed from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and tomorrow at the track level at Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Call 253-288-7878.

Artrain USA will be open from noon to 7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at Sixth Avenue and Meeker Street in Kent. The traveling museum will display ``Artistry of Space,'' featuring artworks from NASA and the National Air Space Museum. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for ages 12 and younger. Call 253-856-5058.  (Part of Kent Cornucopia Days)

``Empty Heads and Comet Tales'' will be staged at 7 p.m. today and at 2 p.m. tomorrow at E.B. Foote Winery, 127-B S.W. 153rd St., Burien. Breeders theater presents the show written and directed by T.M. Sell. Tickets are $20, include hors d'oeuvres and wine tasting. Call 206-242-3852.

Heritage Singers ``Because of Love'' Tour will be presented at 7:30 p.m. today at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. An offering will be taken. Call 253-931-4827.

``Hats Off!'' featuring more than 100 hats, will be displayed from noon to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow at White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. Admission is $2 for general, $1 for children, seniors. Call 253-288-7437. Web site: www.wrvmuseum.org.

City hosts special guests from Mexico

July 12, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

KENT -- Local residents are playing host this week to visitors from the city of El Grullo in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

El Grullo Mayor Armando Nunez and officials from his city are meeting with Kent officials, members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and staff from the Kent School District and Highline Community College.

The visit marks the beginning of the Kent-El Grullo Friendship City relationship. Washington and Jalisco already are sister states, so Roberto Gonzales figured it was logical that Kent should have a Friendship City there.

Gonzales, the owner of Mexico Lindo restaurant in downtown Kent, is a native of El Grullo. He left his hometown for the United States about 40 years ago.

Employees and owners of other Mexican restaurants in South County also are natives of Jalisco State or have family ties there.

The goal of the Friendly City relationship is to promote international awareness and understanding between residents of Kent and El Grullo, helping residents of each city learn about education, business and cultural arts in the other city.

Gonzales brought the idea to other area residents and then to the Kent Sister City Association, which endorsed the Friendly City relationship. Kent has five sister cities in Japan, China, Ireland, Ukraine and Norway, and Friendly City ties with cities in China and Korea.

Besides meeting with local residents and touring the area, the El Grullo mayor and other visitors also will be participants in the Kent Lions Club Cornucopia Days parade on Sunday.

A flying start for Cornucopia Days: Annual Kent festival opens today

July 12, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

KENT -- Follow the crowds downtown today through Sunday for Kent Cornucopia Days.

The annual festival sponsored by the Kent Lions Club features one of the region's largest street fairs, with more than 600 booths along downtown streets. There are also carnival rides and a wide range of entertainment and displays.

The Cornucopia Days Grand Parade begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, with best viewing along Fourth Avenue near City Hall.

This year, the festival has added a large food court and entertainment stage at Burlington Green Park on Smith Street near Railroad Avenue.

A new attraction is Artrain USA, the nation's only art exhibit that travels by train. Railroad gallery cars displaying artworks will be along Sixth Avenue near Meeker Street from noon to 7 p.m. today and tomorrow, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger. There are works by Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol and others. The primary exhibit features artworks depicting space exploration.

Free entertainment is offered at stages at Burlington Green Park at Smith Street and Railroad Avenue; the Sierra Springs Main Stage in the Kent Library parking lot at Second Avenue and Smith Street; the Youth Stage on Smith Street near Sixth Avenue; the Main State on Smith Street near Second Avenue; and the Gazebo Stage on Railroad Avenue.

Cornucopia Days activities

Today

* 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- Street fair, farmers market and other events.

* 2 p.m. to midnight -- Funtastic Shows Carnival on Smith Street between Fourth and Second avenues.

* Noon to 9 p.m. -- Free entertainment on festival stages.

* All day -- Downtown merchants sidewalk sale.

* 8 p.m. to dark -- Square dancing at Fourth Avenue and Meeker Street.

Tomorrow

* City surplus auction at 704 W. Meeker St.; viewing starts at 8 a.m., bidding at 9 a.m.

* 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Italian-American Fair, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St.

* 7 p.m. -- Miss Cornucopia Coronation at Main Stage by Kent Library.

* 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- Street fair, farmers market, other events open.

* 11 a.m. to midnight -- Funtastic Shows Carnival.

* 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. --Entertainment on festival stages.

Sunday

* 8 to 10 a.m. -- Kent Jaycees Pancake Feed at First and Titus; donations accepted.

* 2 p.m. -- Cornucopia Days Grand Parade on Fourth Avenue South between Willis and James streets features marching bands, drill teams, bag pipers, Cornucopia Day royalty, the SEAFAIR Pirates and many other entries.

* 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Street fair, farmers market and other events open.

* Noon to 8 p.m. -- Funtastic Shows Carnival.

* Noon to 6 p.m. -- Entertainment on festival stages.

* 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Italian-American Fair, Kent Senior Center, 600 E, Smith St.

Photo By: Patrick Hagerty/Journal. The 'Red Baron Squadron,' two WWII Boeing Stearman open-cockpit biplanes, flies in formation over South County yesterday. The planes are here for Kent Cornucopia Days and will conduct a flyover to kick off the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Kent holds Cornucopia Days

July 12, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

THE LOWDOWN KENT CORNUCOPIA DAYS Through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for the street fair; 2 p.m. to midnight today, 11 a.m. to midnight tomorrow and noon-8 p.m. Sunday for the carnival; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow for dragon boat races; 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1:30 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. tomorrow for the Old Time Music Festival. Tickets: free (except for special events). Call 253-852-5466 or visit www.kcdays.com. Where: Various locations in Kent.

An old-time music festival, a carnival, America's only train art museum, dragon boat races and a street fair are just a few of the highlights of this weekend's Kent Cornucopia Days Festival.

Now in its 31st year, the celebration is South King County's oldest and largest family festival.

The event opened yesterday in downtown Kent with a carnival complete with rides and games. Events will continue through Sunday.

A highlight of this year's festival is sure to be the dragon boat races -- a sport evolving from Chinese tradition -- which begins at 10 a.m. and continues through 6 p.m. tomorrow at Lake Meridian Park.

The annual Old Time Music Festival will take place throughout the day tomorrow at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. A Western style dance will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. A matinee performance featuring bluegrass, Cajun, fiddlers, vocalists, harmonica and piano players from throughout the Northwest begins at 1:30 p.m. The evening performance begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $3-$6 and the event is sponsored by the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association (for more information about the music festival, call 253-939-8436).

Anchoring the festival downtown will be the Street Fair, featuring more than 600 booths, two food courts and entertainment stages.

New to this year's festival is the Artrain USA, America's only traveling rail art museum featuring works from American artists Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol, as well as artwork from NASA chronicling almost four decades of NASA history. The train will be located along Sixth Avenue between Meeker and Smith Streets. Tickets are $1-$3.

Other activities include an art show at the Rose Park throughout the festival, an Italian-American Fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Kent Senior Center, the Jaycees Pancake Feed from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pediatric Interim Care Center and a Scout show and safety fair throughout the festival.

Dragon boat races set for tomorrow

July 12, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

KENT -- Long, sleek boats with racing teams paddling to the beat of drums will skim across Lake Meridian tomorrow in the second annual Kent Lions Cornucopia Days dragon boat races.

Up to 16 teams from as far away as Canada are expected for the competition at Lake Meridian Park. They'll be joining some local teams, including Ladies of the Lake, sponsored by the Valley Breast Clinic at Valley Medical Center, and Dragin Tales, comprised of Kent School District teachers and other employees.

Each boat is adorned with a dragon's head, a traditional symbol for the ancient sport that has recently won new participants. Unlike traditional scull racing, which requires rowers in top physical condition, dragon boat racing allows crews of up to 20 members of all ages and athletic abilities whose primary focus is to work as a team.

The racing festival begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow with a Lion Dance, sponsored by the Kent Yangzhou Sister City Committee. Boat races and other events at the park continue through 5 p.m.

There will be entertainment at the park through the day, including music and the Boeing Klowns Klub. There also will be food booths, games and other family activities.

Parking at Lake Meridian Park is limited. Free shuttle buses run through the day from the Metro park and ride on 132nd Avenue Southeast at Southeast 272nd Street (Kent-Kangley Road); Horizon Elementary School, 27641 144th Ave. S.E.; Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. S.E.; the Kent fire station at 15635 S.E. 272nd St.; and Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. S.E.

SEAFAIR parades, festivals continue this weekend

July 12, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

THE LOWDOWN SEAFAIR Through Aug. 4. Call 206-728-0123 or visit www.seafair.com. Where: Various locations throughout Seattle area

The 53rd annual SEAFAIR is the largest ongoing summer festival in these parts and features a host of events throughout July and August. For a complete schedule, contact SEAFAIR at 206-728-0123 or visit www.seafair.com.

Here are sanctioned SEAFAIR community events and official SEAFAIR events happening this week:

SEAFAIR sanctioned community events

* Kent Cornucopia Days and Parade: Through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, downtown Kent, along Meeker Street. Call 253-852-5466.

* Mercer Island Summer Celebration: Today to Sunday (parade at 10 a.m. Saturday at 78th Avenue Southeast from Southeast 27th to Southeast 32nd streets), festival takes place at various locations in downtown Mercer Island. Call 206-236-7285.

* Chinatown/International District Festival: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Hing Hay Park and surrounding locations, 411 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle. Call 206-382-1197.

* Redmond Derby Days Parade and Festival: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (kid's parade at 10 a.m. south on 161st Avenue Northeast and east on Redmond Way, west on Northeast 80th Street), Redmond Community Center. Call 425-556-2300.

* Hispanic SEAFAIR Organization Festival: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Seward Park Amphitheater, Seattle. Call 206-523-5930.

* SEAFAIR Indian Pow Wow: July 19-21, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Daybreak Star Cultural Center, Discovery Park, Seattle. Call 206-325-0070, ext. 53.

12fseafairangels.jpg (plus various pics from last 7/5):

The 53rd annual SEAFAIR festival will culminate in a weekend-long celebration Aug. 2-4 that includes the KeyBank SEAFAIR Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They'll perform from noon to 12:45 p.m. over South Lake Washington.

Photo: The Chinatown/International District Festival will be held tomorrow and Sunday in Seattle.

South County Scene: From hoops to houses for Seattle Storm

July 12, 2002
by Mary Swift, South County Journal

* Taking The Battle For Affordable Housing By Storm -- Coach Liz Dunn and members of the Seattle Storm women's professional basketball team are often found on the basketball court.

On July 21, you can find Dunn and some Storm players digging in at the groundbreaking for a new Habitat for Humanity home in Renton.

The house, at 526 Pelly Ave. N., is part of Habitat for Humanity International's Women Building A Legacy program.

Women construction crews will collaborate on the house, which will be the first women-built Habitat for Humanity home in South King County.

Since 1991, women crews have built 300 of the 100,000 Habitat homes constructed in this country.

The groundbreaking is scheduled at 3 p.m.

* Bragging Rights -- It's all on the line tomorrow. But it's not the Super Bowl.

It's not the Major League Baseball All-Star game.

It's not the World Series or the Stanley Cup.

It's just some city of Kent employees battling (and paddling) to show that when the paddle hits the water, Kent has it over other communities.

Count on pride -- and bragging rights -- being on the line during the ``Battle for the Paddle'' at Kent Cornucopia Days Dragon Boat races.

The races, slated for Lake Meridian, kick off at 10 a.m. with the arrival of the ceremonial dragon boat carrying Mayor Jim White and Cornucopia Days chairman Bill Westcott, among others.

Sixteen teams are slated for competition. Race coordinator Cheryl Corbin says that figure includes a senior team from Canada who call themselves ``Nothin' Dragon.''

``The members range from 55 to 77,'' Corbin said.

While there will be plenty of spirited competition among regular teams, the liveliest -- and probably funniest -- competition may be the ``Battle for the Paddle.''

A team of city of Kent staff members recruited by White take on a team representing several other communities.

How well prepared are they for the competition?

Let's just say the city of Kent team will bring more enthusiasm than training to the contest.

Cheryl Viseth, one of the city of Kent team members, said the team of volunteers planned to hold their first --and probably only -- practice yesterday.

Viseth said the city of Kent team will include some paddlers from Covington.

So, I asked, if the Kent team loses, can the loss be blamed on the Covington contingent?

Viseth laughed.

``Exactly,'' she said.

* The Waiting Game -- Jed Rodarte, the 25-year-old Auburn High grad who once weighed more than 700 pounds, continues his wait for gastric bypass surgery to help him lose weight.

Jed's insurance company won't pay for the surgery so friends and family have mounted an effort to raise money to cover his costs.

So far, Jed says, about $18,000 has been raised and tickets are still being sold for a raffle. (The drawing will be held in December, he said.)

Some things have fallen into place: Jed has lost weight and is closer to the 600-pound goal he needs to reach in order to have the surgery.

And his doctor has agreed to donate his services for the surgery, a move that significantly reduces the costs Jed faces.

That's the good news.

Here's the bad: Jed said medical tests have revealed some complications.

That could delay the surgery, which Jed hopes to sometime around the end of August or early September.

``It's kind of weird. I was feeling good. Then I find out I've got some problems going on,'' he said. ``So right now I'm kind of going crazy waiting.''

Jed was scheduled to meet with a specialist this week.

South County Scene is written by Mary Swift and appears Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call 253-872-6672 or e-mail mary.swift@ southcountyjournal.com.

Briefly

July 11, 2002
South County Journal

KENT

Old Time Music Festival to be held at high school

The Kent Cornucopia Old Time Music Festival will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Kent-Meridian High School's Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St.

The festival, sponsored by the Kent Lions Club and the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association, will feature free fiddle and guitar workshops from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Two shows will be presented from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, with pre-shows at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the shows are $3 to $6. For more information, call Pete Gomes at 253-939-8436 or Roy Calvert at 425-228-5846.

Celebrate SEAFAIR: Planes, pirates and parades all part of summer festival

July 05, 2002
by Sue Kidd
Journal Reporter, South County Journal

Now in its 53rd year, much has changed about the SEAFAIR festival -- the region's largest and longest summer celebration.

It has grown from a small Seattle festival carrying a $75,000 price tag to a giant $4 million month-long regional celebration including a parade, a triathlon and bicycle criterium, dozens of sanctioned community and cultural events and the highly anticipated hydroplane races and air show.

Despite its ambitious growth, the nature of SEAFAIR has always remained a community celebration. It's just that there are more events now. Lots more events. The dozens of SEAFAIR sanctioned community and cultural events -- from the Mercer Island Summer Celebration July 12-14 to Covington's birthday celebration July 26-28 -- are just a warm-up for the official celebration Aug. 2-4 that thousands plan to attend. The General Motors Cup hydroplane races and air show featuring the Blue Angels are both held on South Lake Washington. And don't forget about the Torchlight Parade in downtown Seattle July 27.

Every summer, SEAFAIR has welcomed the arrival of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Fleet, along with thousands of sailors on board who flock to the shores of Elliott Bay. This year, however, because of security concerns, it's unclear whether public tours will be allowed on the boats, as they have in past years.

SEAFAIR officially starts this weekend with the landing of the SEAFAIR pirates at noon tomorrow at Alki Beach. The pirate landing is a hugely symbolic beginning to the festival that dates back to 1950. Also happening this weekend are the milk carton derby at Green Lake, the Redmond Derby Bicycle Criterium and the Talgo Criterium bicycle race at SEAFAIR.

Events will continue through early August. Here's a closer look at the schedule. For a complete schedule or for more information about events, call the 24-hour SEAFAIR hotline at 206-728-0123 or visit www.seafair.com.

Major events

* SEAFAIR Pirates Landing at Alki: Tomorrow, noon at Alki Beach. The pirates will then make their way to the SEAFAIR Milk Carton Derby.

* Hasbro SEAFAIR Milk Carton Derby: Tomorrow, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southwest corner of Green Lake.

* Talgo Criterium at SEAFAIR: Sunday, 7:15 p.m. (women's races) and 8:45 p.m. (men's races), Pike Place Market, Seattle.

* Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon at SEAFAIR: July 21, 7 a.m., Seward Park, Seattle.

* Miss SEAFAIR Scholarship Program for Women Coronation 2002: July 23, 7:30 p.m., Bagley Wright Theatre, Seattle Center, Seattle.

* UPS Torchlight Run at SEAFAIR, co-sponsored by Gart Sports: July 27, 6:20 p.m., downtown Seattle, beginning and ending at Seattle Center.

* Southwest Airlines Torchlight Parade at SEAFAIR: July 27, 7:30 p.m., begins at Seattle Center and continues south on Fourth Avenue to Second and King Street.

* SEAFAIR Fleet Arrival presented by the Port of Seattle: July 31 to Aug. 4, various times, downtown Seattle Waterfront. First arrival expected at approximately 1:30 p.m. July 31. Participation will vary due to national military concerns. Public tours also are uncertain. Call SEAFAIR at 206-728-0123 for more information.

* General Motors Cup at SEAFAIR Unlimited Hydroplane Race: Aug. 2-4, various times, South Lake Washington at the Stan Sayres Pit Area.

* KeyBank SEAFAIR Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels: Aug. 2-4, airshows performed noon to 12:45 p.m. each day, South Lake Washington.

Community events and festivals

* Redmond Derby Bicycle Criterium: Tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown Redmond. Call 425-556-2300.

* Kent Cornucopia Days and Parade: Thursday to July 14, noon to 11 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, downtown Kent, along Meeker Street. Call 253-852-5466.

* Mercer Island Summer Celebration: July 12-14 (parade at 10 a.m. July 13 at 78th Avenue Southeast from Southeast 27th to Southeast 32nd streets), festival takes place at various locations in downtown Mercer Island. Call 206-236-7285.

* Chinatown/International District Festival: July 13-14, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Hing Hay Park and surrounding locations, 411 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle. Call 206-382-1197.

* Redmond Derby Days Parade and Festival: July 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (kid's parade at 10 a.m. south on 161st Avenue Northeast and east on Redmond Way, west on Northeast 80th Street), Redmond Community Center. Call 425-556-2300.

* Hispanic SEAFAIR Organization Festival: July 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Seward Park Amphitheater, Seattle. Call 206-523-5930.

* SEAFAIR Indian Pow Wow: July 19-21, 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Daybreak Star Cultural Center, Discovery Park, Seattle. Call 206-325-0070, Ext. 53.

* Seattle Bon Odori Festival: July 20-21, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Buddhist Church, 1427 S. Main St., Seattle. Call 206-329-0800.

* IKEA Renton River Days and Parade: July 23-28, various times, Liberty Park in downtown Renton. Call 425-430-6528.

* Des Moines Waterland Festival and Parade: July 24-28, various times, 22236 Dock Ave. S., Des Moines. Call 206-878-7000.

* Covington Whistle Stop Days and Parade: July 26-28, 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 17700 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. Call 253-350-8361.

* Ballard Seafood Fest: July 27-28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Northwest Market Street, between 22nd and 24th Avenue Northwest, Seattle. Call 206-784-9705.

* SEAFAIR Pista Sa Nayon: July 28, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Seward Park Amphitheater, Seattle. Call 206-296-4004.

THE LOWDOWN

SEAFAIR

Saturday to Aug. 4. Call 206-728-0123 or visit www.seafair.com.

Where:

Various locations throughout Seattle area

Journal File Photo: The Milk Carton Derby starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Green Lake.

July 09, 2002
South County Journal

The Ladies of the Lake -- The first time Charlene Shaw got ready to climb into a dragon boat, she froze.

``Oh my God,'' she thought as she stood on the dock waiting to step into the boat. ``It's little. And tippy. And I don't swim.''

That was last year.

Shaw and a group of 19 other women had gotten together to learn to paddle a dragon boat, an ancient sport that is fast gaining popularity in this country.

(The boats are 40-plus feet long and have 20 or more paddlers.)

The women in the boat implored Shaw to join them.

But she stood rooted to the dock on the Tacoma waterway.

Then a coach for the Tacoma Dragon Boat organization grabbed her life jacket.

``I just levitated into that boat,'' Shaw said. ``He said, `Sit down. Here's your paddle.' I'm like, `Oh God, I'm going to die.'''

It didn't take long for Shaw to figure out that she wasn't going to die, but she was going to fall in love -- with dragon boat racing.

``We're like four minutes into it and I think, `It's like flying,''' she said.

``I thought, `I can do this.'''

Shaw has been a dragon boat enthusiast ever since.

After a little training with the Tacoma group, Shaw and her group -- which included her daughter and granddaughter -- moved on to the Cornucopia Dragon Boat Races held last July at Lake Meridian.

It was their first competition.

They were, Shaw said with absolute candor, ``pathetic.''

``We had no idea what we were doing. We watched all the others. They had tents. We had a tarp. They had matching outfits. We had shirts,'' Shaw said. ``My granddaughter, who had just blown her knee out playing rugby and had a brace on, was our tiller. We were going, `Oooooh, boy.'''

Then, Shaw said, ``the adrenaline hit.''

They finished second -- by two seconds -- in their first heat.

``We were beside ourselves with joy,'' she said. ``Then we found out we had to do another heat. We came in second the next heat.''

They ended up winning the second-place award in the novice recreational division.

Shaw, a 64-year-old great-grandmother, was hooked.

The Tacoma Dragon Boat group took Shaw's group -- dubbed Ladies of the Lake -- under its wing.

But Shaw and other participants found getting to Tacoma for the 5:30 p.m. practices difficult. They arrived either late or stressed due to traffic.

This year, Shaw and others decided they would have their own boat so that they could practice closer to home on Kent's Lake Meridian.

But dragon boats don't come cheap. New, they're $10,000 to $12,000, Shaw said.

``That's a big bake sale,'' she said.

One day, Shaw and some dragon boat paddling friends were sitting down eating Chinese food. What they needed, they decided, was a sponsor.

Enter the Valley Medical Breast Center.

``We went in to ask for paddles and life jackets,'' Shaw said. ``They said, `If we buy the boat, what can you give us?'''

These days, Valley Breast Center is the official sponsor of Ladies of the Lake. The Ladies of the Lake pass out literature promoting women's health and the value of exercise.

Many of the original members -- including Shaw's daughter, who has moved to Gig Harbor, and her granddaughter, who has gone back to college -- are gone now. Boeing layoffs took their toll, said Shaw, one of only four original members who remain. But new faces have replaced those who have departed.

The women -- most of them middle-aged -- practice three days a week on Lake Meridian on the racing boat provided by the Valley Breast Center. (Shaw said the group recently bought a ceremonial dragon boat, complete with head and tail. She said a Puyallup businessman from Taiwan sold them the boat -- which is larger and heavier than the one they use for racing -- for $1.

The Ladies of the Lake will race during the Second Annual Kent Lions Dragon Boat races on July 13.

Shaw, who is six years past a battle with cancer and works as a secretary at the Regional Justice Center in Kent, said she's proof almost anyone can do it.

``I'm practically the poster child,'' Shaw said, laughing. ``I'm fluffy -- beyond belief. I'm an insulin-dependent diabetic. I just take my orange juice out there with me.

``It's such a positive thing. Women work so well together. We haven't found any negatives.''

You're invited to join The Ladies of the Lake. For information, contact Shaw at 253-859-0247 or Linda Simpson at 253-631-5975.

South County Scene is written by Mary Swift and appears Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call 253-872-6672 or e-mail mary.swift@southcountyjournal.com.

Kent-Meridian senior named Miss Cornucopia

June 01, 2002
Journal Staff, South County Journal

KENT -- Alexandrea Conn was named Miss Cornucopia 2002 at the Kent Cornucopia Days Scholarship Pageant Thursday night at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center,

The 18-year-old Kent-Meridian High School senior received a $3,000 scholarship from the Kent Lions Club, which sponsored the competition. Conn also won the Community Service Award, a $500 scholarship given by the Kent Police Employees Benevolent Association.

First runner-up was Dalen A. Thompson, an 18-year-old senior at Kentridge High School, who won a $1,000 scholarship.

Tess K. Wakasugi, 18, also a senior at Kentridge, was named second runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship. Wakasugi also won the Academic Award, a $500 scholarship given by the Kiwanis Club of Meridian-Kent.

Scholarships of $300 apiece went to the remaining seven contestants:

* Amanda M. Atler, 18, a senior at Kentridge High School, who was named Miss Congeniality.

* Shayla D. Cousins, 19, a senior at Kentwood High School.

* Erin M. Lohse, 19, a freshman at Highline Community College.

* Johanna M. Philio, 18, a Kentridge senior.

* Dana M. Piehl, 18, a senior at Kentridge.

* Kia D. Travis, 17, at senior at Kent-Meridian.

* Stephanie A. Vergara, 18, a Kent-Meridian senior.

PHOTO by David Nelson/Kent Reporter: Alexandra Conn, seated, was crowned Miss Cornucopia 2002 by Crystal Tullis, the outgoing Miss Cornucopia, Thursday night. Conn received a $3,000 scholarship from the Kent Lions Club, which sponsored the pageant.

SOUTH COUNTY JOURNAL WEEK'S BEST PREPS

May 21, 2002
South County Journal

AMANDA ATLER

KENTRIDGE

* Sport: Fastpitch.

* Year: Senior.

* Last week: Atler's RBI single in the 11th inning scored Emma Hinckley with the winning run as the Chargers captured the 4A West Central District title with a 1-0 victory over SPSLNorth rival Enumclaw.

* Favorite class: AP calculus.

* Favorite movie: ``Sandlot.''

* Favorite place to shop: Pottery Barn (with J).

* Three people I would invite and what I would serve them: My Pa, Mom and Dad, and Jason Wickland. I would serve spaghetti and Caesar salad, with iced tea to drink.

* What are your thoughts heading into state?: I believe in every person on our team. We would not be in this position without the awesome team effort we've had every game. I know we'll go in pumped and ready to play, but we'll have a blast at the same time.

* Greatest athletic moment: Hitting in the winning run in the WCD championship game and knowing that my team had confidence in me.

* Did you know?: Atler is participating in the Miss Kent Cornucopia Days scholarship pageant next week.

South County Scene: Sheriff Reichert featured in Time -

May 30, 2002
by Mary Swift
South County Journal

* River Of Death -- If you happen to pick up a current copy of Time magazine and see a face that looks familiar, there's good reason.

It's King County Sheriff Dave Reichert, featured in an article about the arrest of suspected Green River Killer Gary Ridgway.

The five-page article -- dubbed ``River of Death'' -- appears in the magazine's June 3 issue.

Reichert, who was lead investigator on the case back in the 1980s, was interviewed by the magazine several months ago.

Yesterday he was taking the national media attention in typical low-key style.

``Boy, my gray hair really shows,'' Reichert said, laughing about a photo showing him at the location where three of the victims were found.

``Actually, I just got a copy 10 minutes ago,'' he said of the article.

``I haven't even had a chance to read it. I need to take some time to look at it and read it. I guess we'll see how accurate it is.''

To be honest, Reichert said, he is ``torn'' by the attention.

The investigation was never a one man show, but a team effort, he said.

``I'm feeling good about it. I'm also feeling a little self-conscious about it,'' he said. ``It's like playing on an athletic team. It takes 11 football players to win a Super Bowl. You can see the team the Mariners put together.

``Although it (the article) is about me, I hope it really talks about the team that was involved in this investigation and that is still involved today. It was 20 years, and a lot of people and a lot of hard work.

``That's what this has been all along -- a team effort. I'm just proud to have been part of this team.''

Reichert, who grew up in and still lives in South King County, is the oldest of seven children.

Yes, he said, you can figure the Reichert family will be picking up a few copies of Time off newsstands this week.

And yes, Reichert said, laughing, he already had a call from his mother.

``She's a proud mother -- just like any mother,'' he said. ``Parents are proud of any success their children have.''

* The Call -- The call came from a woman in New Jersey.

And Kent's Cheryl Corbin, who organized the first-ever dragon boat races on Lake Meridian last summer, was tickled.

The woman told Corbin she'd heard about last year's event and wants to find a crew she can row with for this year's event, scheduled July 13 at the same site.

Word is getting out, a delighted Corbin said.

Dragon boat racing is an ancient sport gaining in popularity in this country. (A demonstration of the sport was held on Lake Meridian two years ago, but last year was the first year of official racing.)

Corbin saw her first dragon boat race in Portland and determined that she wanted to become a dragon boat racer.

So much for good intentions.

She's spending so much time organizing this year's Second Annual Kent Lions Dragon Boat Races on Lake Meridian, scheduled July 13, that she doesn't have time to race herself.

But if you do, you're invited to show up tomorrow at the commons at Kentwood High School for the first session in a two-day dragon boat racing workshop. Cost is $20 per person. The second session, scheduled on Saturday, will involve time on the water.

``My whole goal is to show that it's a great sport for all levels,'' she said. ``If Cheryl Corbin can get in a boat and paddle, anybody can. I'm a cream puff.''

Tomorrow's session begins at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 253-735-6368.

* Clothing Optional Gardening (And Such) -- Deidre Finley, owner of Big Dipper Farms, makes it a habit to offer a varied menu of gardening-related events at her Black Diamond nursery.

But an item in her June calendar is bound to raise an eyebrow or two.

It reads: ``Friday, June 21, All day. Summer Solstice. Nude dancing is optional.''

My guess is she's kidding.

Everybody knows it's too cold to go naked here in June.

South County Scene is written by Mary Swift and appears Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call 253-872-6672 or e-mail mary.swift@southcountyjournal.com.

South County Scene: Auction honors Olympian effort -

April 17, 2002
by Mary Swift

* Success Stories (And Standing Ovations) -- It happened last Saturday during the Kent Rotary Club's Escapades dinner auction.

And it brought tears to the eyes of those attending.

Here's why.

Each year during the auction, there's a point where attendees are asked to fund a specific cause.

This year's beneficiary was the Children's Therapy Center, a Kent-based nonprofit that provides therapy to children born with special needs.

To illustrate the role Children's Therapy Center plays in the lives of the children it serves, the center has a video highlighting the life of a boy named Patrick Holt.

Born 2 months prematurely, Patrick was on life support as a newborn.

Doctors told the foster parents who eventually took him home that he would probably never walk, talk or feed himself.

Oh, what a difference time, dedicated family, and the Children's Therapy Center can make.

Patrick is now 17.

The couple who were his foster parents are now his adoptive parents. (He is one of eight children the couple has adopted.)

He has earned numerous medals playing soccer and baseball in Special Olympics.

He's working on an Eagle project and is on track to becoming an Eagle Scout.

The video ends with a compelling moment: Patrick proudly carrying the Olympic flame earlier this year.

It's a tear-jerker moment, says Andy Wangstad, chairman of this year's dinner auction.

True to form, the video got a solid round of applause.

Then CTC Director Jon Botten stepped to the podium.

``Ladies and gentleman -- Patrick Holt,'' Botten said.

The Olympic theme began to play.

Then Patrick, dressed in his Olympic running suit, came from back of the room to the front.

``The audience instantly jumped up,'' Botten said. ``They just stood there and applauded and applauded.''

Auction-goers contributed $12,000 to CTC above and beyond net proceeds from the regular auction. Wangstad expects to have total results from the auction later this week.

* The Good Guys -- Count Kent's Bill Westcott among them.

Westcott, a pilot for Alaska Airlines, was named Citizen of the Year by the Kent Rotary Club. The award was announced at last weekend's Escapades dinner auction.

Westcott was honored for his community volunteerism, including his role as head of Kent Cornucopia Days and for his work as a district chairman for the Boy Scouts.

``He's been in charge of Cornucopia Days the last few years,'' said Andy Wangstad, the Escapades chairman. ``A lot of community organizations use Cornucopia Days as their major fund-raiser. That's a point of pride with the people who are behind it.''

* Mileposts -- Auburn's Don Stevenson is scheduled to hit another one this coming Friday.

That's when Stevenson, who is doing an 8,000-mile walk around Auburn's Game Farm Park to benefit the national Multiple Sclerosis Society, expects to finish mile 2,000.

You're invited to join him at 11 a.m. Friday for free hot dogs and beverages.

Stevenson, who plans to finish his 8,000-mile walk on Nov. 25, also is logging some extra miles along the way.

He and his wife, Loretta, showed up April 7 for the MS Society walk at Husky Stadium.

His own fund-raising efforts got a boost last week when residents of the Vantage Glen Mobile Home Park presented him with a check for $200.

* Something To Cheer About -- Back when they were students at Auburn Riverside High School, twin brothers Jameel and Jibreel Rayam made school history.

The twins -- both 6-foot-plus types -- became the school's first male cheerleaders.

They also found work carrying the flags during halftime shows for the Seahawks.

They're both still busy raising spirits.

Jameel's now a member of the Washington State University cheer squad.

And Jibreel, who attends Green River Community College, is running his own business -- Northwest Elite All Stars, a training program for cheerleaders hoping for college scholarships.

In the 10 months since the business opened, the Northwest Elite All Stars have earned a host of awards.

The team also has qualified to compete in the American Cheer Power ``Tournament of Champions'' scheduled Saturday in Miami, Fla.

The 22-member team includes students from Auburn Riverside, Kentwood, Kent Meridian, Thomas Jefferson and several other high schools.

* Sightings -- License frame on a red Toyota RAV4: ``On Time Is Whenever I Get There.''

Then there was the bumper sticker a co-worker spotted on a Subaru in Kent. It read: ``Lord Help Me To Be The Person My Dog Thinks I Am.''

South County Scene is written by Mary Swift and appears Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Call 253-872-6672 or e-mail mary.swift @southcountyjournal.com.

Kent offers jail-less option

March 27, 2002
by Jeffrey M. Barker
Journal Reporter, South County Journal

KENT -- Those who commit nonviolent misdemeanor crimes in Kent will soon have an alternative to jail.

It's called the Annex: a new building north of the Kent jail out of which corrections officers will manage a work crew, offer classes and keep tabs on inmates eligible for home detention and work release.

``I believe we're much better off if people can pay back to the community'' rather than sit in jail, said Kent police Chief Ed Crawford. ``Other people are talking about this; we're doing it.''

People who are charged with crimes such as shoplifting, prostitution and vandalism could -- instead of jail time -- be sentenced to spend time at the Annex daily. They could be ordered to take classes. They could join a jail-run work crew that would pick up trash, remove campaign signs after elections or assist with nonprofit events such as the Kent Lions' Cornucopia Days.

``This is just beginning,'' said Capt. Jim Miller, who is in charge of the Kent Jail. ``There are many ideas of what the program can do -- we just have to think of them.''

The Kent jail operates smoothly at 100 inmates, Crawford said. There are usually 120.

But the goal of the program is not necessarily to open up beds in the jail. It's designed to reduce jail costs and to help people convicted of crimes satisfy their sentence requirements, Crawford said.

People who are sentenced to spend their days at the Annex will not eat their meals or spend their nights inside the jail, reducing costs.

``At the end of the day, if they want to go home and have a beer, they can go home and have a beer. If they want to see a movie, they can see a movie,'' Miller said. ``That time is theirs.''

But they will still be held accountable.

Crawford also said that certain inmates who cost the jail and the courts too much money would be eligible for programs at the Annex.

He's talking about people whose driver's licenses have been suspended for failing to pay traffic tickets. There are a lot of them. And despite warranting only a few days in jail, they often fail to appear in court, Crawford said. Then they're picked up on a warrant. Then they fail to appear again. In the end, a person who neglected to pay parking tickets gets a year in jail.

Those people and others who participate in programs at the Annex would have the opportunity to work off city fines or court-ordered community service hours.

But jail beds would remain reserved for those sentenced to the Annex but who violate the terms of the program.

``A program without a hammer behind it means nothing,'' Miller said.

Kent has for nearly nine years run three alternative programs: home detention, work release (inmates are allowed to leave for their jobs but return at night) and work time credit (a few inmates wash police cars, stock shelves at the Kent Food Bank or work at the national cemetery or the Senior Center).

Six to 12 people who participate in those programs at any given time, contributed more than 25,000 hours of work last year, Crawford said.

The Annex has been in the works for two years.

The property was a surplus building purchased from King County for $1, Crawford said. And its renovation was wrapped into the jail's remodel, which was recently completed.

A new sergeant position was created to oversee the two corrections officers who will run the Annex. And the jail has purchased a 15-seat van and a trailer with equipment for the work crew.

The new alternatives to time in jail will begin in May with about 50 people, Miller said.

Jeffrey Barker covers Kent. He can be reached at jeffrey.barker@southcountyjournal.com or 253-872-6627.

Briefly

Feb 15, 2002
South County Journal

KENT: Pageant orientation to be held at Kent Library

Young women interested in competing for scholarship money and the title of Miss Cornucopia in Kent can attend an information session at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Kent Library.

The reigning Miss Cornucopia, Crystal Tullis, and last year's pageant winner and current Miss Auburn, Colette Garcia, are scheduled to appear at the meeting.

The Kent Lions Club organizes the scholarship pageant, which will be held in the spring.

Last year, the pageant awarded more than $6,000 in scholarships to Kent residents.